TDP Ambassadors

Knowledgeable transit riders reaching out to our community

Helping TCAT connect with riders

May 2021 

TCAT is excited to have four knowledgeable community members to return as Transit Ambassadors for the second phase of the TDP outreach process starting this spring.

They will reach out to their respective neighborhoods, hold meetings and attend community events to share the TDP’s soon-to-be-available draft proposals and gain feedback for TCAT to consider before finalizing changes later this summer.  The creation of a diverse team of ambassodors for this program and potential programs going forward is part of TCAT’s efforts to prioritize inclusion and equity in its decision-making processes.  Information about the TDP ambassadors is listed below. 

 If you would like to schedule a meeting with one of them, please contact Patty Poist at pp1@tcatmail.com or you can reach them directly via their contact information listed below each bio.

Photo of Suzanne Burnham

 

Suzanne Burnham

Suzanne, a longtime member of  the TCAT Riders’ Advisory and Accessibility Committee, served as a TDP ambassador for the first phase of the public outreach process last fall.

As both an TCAT advisory member and a daily rider, Suzanne has a keen understanding of how local transit works and is excited to return for the second phase of the outreach process. Suzanne is also an avid bicyclist and enjoys exploring the area’s gorges and trails in her spare time.

Suzanne invites those with questions or concerns about the TDP or their TCAT experiences to reach out to her by:

Phone: (607) 882-0355
Email: suzanneburnham@ymail.com

 

Shaniya Foster

Shaniya “Niya” grew up on Ithaca’s West Hill, and said her concern for transportation safety and a strong desire to reduce transportation barriers drew her to the position.

“Reliable transportation seems to be a common issue amongst my neighbors,” she said.

“I truly believe there’s always room for improvement especially in the transportation field. I am so very excited to listen to voices and suggestions on how we can better serve the community.”

Niya invites those with questions or concerns about the TDP or their TCAT experiences to reach out to her by:

Email shaniyafoster14@gmail.com

Photo of Emily Hurwitz

Emily Hurwitz

Emily, a recent Cornell graduate, said she hopes to help break down transportation roadblocks for students, especially those who are low-income and/or differently abled.

Emily, who studied psychology and music, said that what started as a simple love for transit-themed memes became a deep passion for equitable public transportation and community development, so she is excited to work on the TDP process with TCAT.

She said she also wants to help bridge communications gaps for students needing information on how to use TCAT and to direct them to TCAT staff if they need assistance or have questions.

Emily invites those with questions or concerns about the TDP or their TCAT experiences to reach out to her by:

Email eh466@cornell.edu

Photo of Rachel Kim

Rachel Kim

Rachel works and lives in Ithaca with her two children — a pre-teen and a teen-ager — and has many strong supportive relationship with her family, friends, neighbors and co-workers. As an experienced TCAT user, Rachel frequently shows others how to navigate TCAT schedules, website and real-time features at bus stops.

“It is very important for people to feel comfortable and confident in their ability to use public transportation to get to where they need to go,” she said. “I am excited to be a Transit Ambassador because I love my community and the people in it. I am intrigued to talk to my community members and get to learn about their experience with using TCAT.

Rachel invites those with questions or concerns about the TDP or their TCAT experiences to reach out to her by:

Email rachelkim1341@gmail.com